Virtual reality (VR) It has long ceased to be fiction - today it is available even in medium-budget smartphones. Xiaomi did not stand aside: many models of the brand support the development of the smartphone. VR-It's a mode that turns a normal phone into a window into a virtual world, but what is this function in practice? How does it work, what opportunities do it offer, and whether it's worth using?
If you have ever seen your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO point"VR-"VR" mode, but you didn't know why it was needed -- this is for you. We'll look at how the technology is integrated into the firmware. MIUI, What apps support it, and what to do if the mode doesn't turn on, and you'll also learn which Xiaomi models are best suited for the game. VR How to avoid common errors when setting up.
What is it? VR-mode on the Xiaomi phone?
VR-Virtual Reality Mode is a special mode of operation of the smartphone, optimized for use with the VR-glasses (e.g. Xiaomi) VR Play or third-party headsets:
- 🔄 The screen is divided into two parts - each displays a picture for the individual eye, creating the effect of a three-dimensional image.
- 🎮 Unnecessary sensors (such as proximity sensor) are turned off so as not to interfere with the dive.
- 🔋 Optimizes performance – processor and GPU They are working in a priority mode for VR-applications.
- 🔊 The sound switches to stereo or 3D-audio (if supported by a headset).
It is important to understand that VR-The mode itself does not create virtual reality – it only adapts the smartphone to work with the environment. VR-You'll need to get a full dive:
- 🕶️ VR-glasses (e.g. Xiaomi) VR Play 2, Google Cardboard or Samsung Gear VR adapter-wise).
- 📱 Smartphone with gyroscope and accelerometer (most Xiaomi models after 2017 have them).
- 🎮 VR-Apps (games, videos, simulators) from Google Play or Mi App Store.
VR-Xiaomi activates automatically when you connect compatible VR-It's also possible to manually enable it through settings, but not all models support this feature -- we'll talk about that later.
What Xiaomi phones support VR-regime?
Function VR-The mode is not available on all Xiaomi devices:
- 📱 Availability of a gyroscope and accelerometer (required for tracking head movements).
- 🔄 High refresh rate display (preferably 90 Hz or 120 Hz for smooth image).
- 🎮 Powerful processor (e.g. Snapdragon) 8xx or Dimensity for comfort FPS).
- 🔋 Firmware MIUI 10 and newer (older versions may not have been available).
Below is a table with popular models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, officially supported VR-regime:
| Series | Supported models VR | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi | Mi 8, Mi 9, Mi 10, Mi 11, Xiaomi 12/13 | Flagships with Snapdragon 8xx and AMOLED-screens provide the best possible VR-experience. |
| Redmi | Redmi K20 Pro, K30 Pro, K40, K50 | Budget flagships with 120 Hz displays are suitable for VR, but it can overheat. |
| POCO | POCO F3, F4 GT, X3 Pro | The perfect balance of price and performance for VR-game. |
| Black Shark | Black Shark 4/5 | Gaming smartphones with active cooling and triggers for VR-shooter. |
If your model is not on the list, it does not mean that VR-For example, some devices on the MediaTek Helio (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro) may support basic devices. VR-functions, but with performance limitations.
How to turn it on VR-Xiaomi?
There are two ways to activate. VR-Mode on Xiaomi smartphones: automatically (when connected) VR-I'll look at both of these by hand.
Method 1: Automatic switching on
If you are using the original Xiaomi glasses VR Play or compatible headset (e.g. Google Cardboard with a Google Cardboard) NFC-The slate will be activated by itself:
- Installation of the phone in VR-glasses.
- Connecting the headset to USB-C (if maintained).
- Efficiency NFC-tags (on some glasses models).
The system recognizes the connection and suggests to go to VR-If that didn't happen, check it out:
- 🔌 Compatibility of glasses with your phone model.
- 🔄 Availability of updates MIUI (Sometimes the mode is added in new versions of the firmware).
- 📱 Permission to use sensors (c Settings) → Annexes → Permits).
Method 2: Manual activation
If no automatic start-up has occurred, turn on the mode manually:
- Open the Settings. → Special features (or additionally in older versions) MIUI).
- Find a point. VR-The mode (or virtual reality mode).
- Activate the switch.
- Confirm the launch if the system requests permission to access the sensors.
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 9) VR-The mode may not be on the menu, even if the phone technically supports it. In this case, try updating the firmware or using third-party VR-Applications (such as Google Cardboard) that activate the mode automatically.
Make sure the battery is more than 50% charged
Close background applications to release RAM
Enable "Do Not Disturb" mode so that notifications do not distract
Connect headphones for better sound (optional)-->
What applications work with VR-Xiaomi-style?
On his own. VR-The mode is just a shell, and immersing in virtual reality requires specialized applications:
1. VR-game
Virtual reality games on smartphones are usually easier than on PCs or consoles, but they are still impressive.
- 🎮 Beat Saber (rhythm game with sabers).
- 👾 Minecraft VR (sandbox).
- 🔫 Gun Club VR (shooter).
- 🏎️ VR Kart: Racing (racing simulator).
Most games require a gamepad or special controllers (e.g. Xiaomi). VR Controller: Without them, the head turns are controlled, which is not always convenient.
2. VR-video
With help. VR You can watch movies and videos in 360 format.° 180°, It's a presence-based experience:
- 🎬 YouTube VR (360-format videos°).
- 🎥 Netflix VR (Watching movies in a virtual cinema).
- 🌍 Google Earth VR (world-travel).
- 🎭 Baofeng Mojing (Chinese platform with a Chinese platform) VR-content).
To watch the video in VR-You can also use the built-in Mi Video player on Xiaomi if the file supports spherical display.
3. VR-simulators
In addition to entertainment, virtual reality is used for training, medicine and even fitness.
- 🏠 VR House Tour (Real Estate Inspection).
- 🩺 Medical VR (anatomy).
- 💪 FitXR (fitness training in the VR).
- 🎨 Tilt Brush (drawing in the 3D-space).
⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Oculus or SteamVR) are not compatible with Xiaomi smartphones due to a closed ecosystem.
💡
If the game or video is in VR Starts to “slow down”, try to lower the graphical settings in the application itself or close the background processes through Settings → Annexes → Cleanup.
Problems with VR-Xiaomi and their solutions
Despite optimization, users often face difficulties in using the system. VR We're going to look at some of the most common problems and how to fix them.
1. VR-no-go
If the switch in the settings is inactive or the mode is not started:
- 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI.
- 📱 Check the sensors with the Sensor Test app (the gyroscope and accelerometer should work).
- 🔧 Reset the settings to factory (if the problem has appeared after the update).
- 🛠️ Install custom firmware (like LineageOS) if your model doesn’t officially support it. VR.
2. The picture is double or blurred
This is one of the most common complaints. Causes and solutions:
- 👓 Wrong setup VR-Spotlights – adjust the distance between the lenses (IPD) underfoot.
- 📱 Low screen resolution on phones with HD+ The display will be grainy. The optimal is Full. HD+ or QHD+.
- 🎮 Low. FPS in the game – lower the graphical settings or close the background applications.
- 🔋 Overheating the phone – let the device cool or use a cooling case.
3. VR-Apps fly off or slow down
Performance in virtual reality is very hardware-dependent.
- 🎯 Close all background processes through Settings → Annexes → Cleanup.
- 🔋 Activate the Performance Mode in Settings → Battery → Performance mode.
- 🔄 Turn off the energy saving for VR-applications in battery settings.
- 📱 Lower the screen resolution (in some firmware, this reduces the load).
⚠️ Attention: Long-term use VR-The mode on smartphones with low cooling (for example, the Redmi Note series) can lead to trottling (automatic performance loss due to overheating). If the phone is getting too hot, take a break for 10-15 minutes.
What to do if VR-The system is there, but it does not work with glasses?
How to improve the use experience VR Xiaomi?
To make virtual reality on your smartphone more comfortable, follow these tips:
1. Optimize productivity
- 🔋 Use the game acceleration mode (Settings) → Special facilities → Turbo-play mode).
- 📱 Disable system animation in the developer settings (reduces delays).
- 🔄 Update graphics drivers through Settings → The phone. → Update of the PO.
2.Tune in. VR-glasses
- 👓 Adjust the interpupil distance (IPD) — This is the distance between the centers of the pupils (usually 55–75 mm).
- 🔍 Wash your lenses with a soft cloth – dust and fingerprints worsen the picture.
- 🎧 Connect quality headphones for better sound (integrated glasses speakers often wheez).
3. Choose the Right Content
- 🎮 For games, give priority to projects with support for a gamepad (for example, Shadowgun Legends). VR).
- 🎬 For video, look for videos in resolution 4K 360° (For example, on YouTube or VeeR).
- 🌍 For travel, try Google Earth. VR wander.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use VR-This can cause cyber-disease (dizziness, nausea) due to a mismatch between the motion of the picture and the signals of the vestibular apparatus. If you feel discomfort, immediately remove your glasses and pause.
💡
For comfort. VR-Xiaomi needs a smartphone experience with AMOLED-screen, powerful processor and refresh rate not lower than 90 Hz Budget models are suitable only for watching video, but not for games.
Alternatives VR-Xiaomi-style
If your smartphone does not support you VR-Mode or you want to try something different, consider these options:
1. AR-mode (augmented reality)
Xiaomi is actively developing technologies AR (Augmented Reality, which superimpose virtual objects on the real world through a camera:
- 🛒 Mi AR — fitting-in.
- 🎮 Pokémon GO — popular AR-play.
- 📏 Measure – measuring distances with a camera.
2. Cloud VR (cloud-based virtual reality)
Some services (e.g. Shadow) VR or Ploud, lets you stream VR-Games from cloud servers to smartphones:
- 🎮 No need for a powerful "hardware" - processing is on the server.
- 🔄 Minimum phone requirements (mainly stable Internet).
- 💰 It is often cheaper than buying an expensive smartphone.
Disadvantage – depending on the speed of the Internet (needed) 5G or fast Wi-Fi).
3. VR-glasses with their own screen
If the smartphone does not pull VR or you want a deeper dive, consider standalone headsets:
- 🕶️ Oculus Quest 2 – a standalone device without a phone link.
- 🎮 HTC Vive Focus – for professional use.
- 💰 Pico 4 is a budget alternative to Meta Quest.
These devices are more expensive, but tracking movements.